How States Aim to Stop Sex Offenders: Major Policies

Convicted sex offender registries have been widespread since the 1990s, but are slated to expand significantly under the Adam Walsh Act by July 2010. Child sexual abuse prevention experts say the public develops a false sense of security from registries, since at least 80 percent of children are assaulted by someone they know and perhaps 30 percent of offenders are identified to authorities. Are convicted offenders deterred by registries? Research on that issue is expected to be published in the journal “Sexual Abuse” in fall 2009.

Community notification statutes authorize or require public notification when certain offenders change addresses or are released from prison. More than two-thirds of respondents polled (68 percent) in a Washington state survey said notification led them to learn more about sex offenses and how sex offenders operate. Analysis by the National Institute of Justice finds that law enforcement and correction agencies face budgetary and resource challenges in enforcing notification rules.

Residency restrictions typically prohibit convicted offenders from living near places where children congregate, such as schools, parks and public housing. In a report to the Florida Legislature, Lynn University researcher Jill Levenson said broad restrictions ignore important data, including that most sex offenders don’t re-offend and that mental health treatment may further reduce risk of re-offense.

Civil containment laws for the continued confinement or treatment of a convicted sexually violent offender who has completed his court sentence exist in some states. A 2007 investigation by The New York Times concluded that commitment programs were “expensive and largely unproven,” and subject to little oversight.

Electronic monitoring (GPS or radio-frequency controlled) of registered sex offenders exists in nearly half of states, and the 2006 Adam Walsh Act supports pilot monitoring programs. The International Association of Chiefs of Police explains the devices in this report.Such systems can monitor whereabouts, but not the person’s actions. For instance, last February a homeless sex offender who was wearing an electronic monitoring device killed a 13-year-old girl in Washington state.

Chemical castration is a court-ordered drug treatment to lower testosterone and the intensity of sexual urges; it is not a permanent surgical castration. California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Montana and Texas have laws supporting chemical castration, according to The Tuscaloosa News.

Death penalty for child sex offenders. Last June the Supreme Court overturned laws in five states calling for the death penalty for child rapists. One key argument by child sexual abuse prevention experts was that such a harsh penalty might deter families from reporting child sex crimes, since most are committed by someone the child knows.

About

About

The Journalism Center on Children & Families (JCCF) (1993-2014) was devoted to deepening media coverage on issues that affect children, youth and families, particularly the disadvantaged. JCCF provided an array of informational services and connected professional journalists, students and advocates to an extensive network of journalists and content experts. JCCF was based at the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

What We Did

JCCF curated daily news content and cutting-edge research about children and families from a wide variety of media, government, academic and public policy sources. The Center provided guidance to journalists seeking sources, tips, experts, data or assistance with ethical dilemmas.

History

JCCF was launched in 1993 with support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation to create a professional community of practice for reporters whose primary beat was covering children and families. Over 21 years, JCCF offered conferences and fellowship programs to enhance skills and knowledge on a variety of issues, from juvenile justice to preschool education, welfare reform to health care. With support from the Ms. Foundation for Women, the Center created “Beyond The Headlines,” an in-depth resource for reporting on child sexual abuse. The Center produced “When a Child Dies,” an interactive online training module to assist reporters covering child deaths. And, the Center created "LIFELINES: Stories from the Human Safety Net," which included original reporting and resources for reporting on social work.

Find an Expert

Looking for the right person to talk to or interview for your story? Connect with thousands of vetted experts who are informed and media-ready. See our experts now.

Best Practices

The best way to learn is by doing. The next best way is by listening, watching, and observing. Journalists who cover the complex issues affecting children, youth and families have a wealth of experiences and insights. JCCF tapped into this expertise and shared their lessons learned in an series or stories called “Best Practices.”

Training Modules

JCCF offered training for established and emerging journalists. Our in-depth modules include facts, tips, guidelines and resources to help you do journalism better.

Children's Beat Magazine

JCCF once published a print magazine featuring commentary, resources and best practices from journalists in the field. That magazine ceased publication years ago, but you can access the archive and find excellent coverage of the challenges facing reporters on the “Children’s Beat.”